Africa Faces Economic Threats from Middle East Conflict

Experts, including Hubert Kinkoh from the Carpo Think Tank, have highlighted that Africa is exposed to the ramifications of the Middle East war, particularly due to military bases and Iranian missile threats. The proximity of these bases to maritime chokepoints poses a risk of conflict extending to African shores, especially the Horn of Africa, which could be targeted by Iranian strikes.

Notably, there are around 4,000 U.S. military personnel stationed at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti, located less than 100 miles from Yemen, where Houthi rebels possess Iranian-supplied ballistic missiles and drones. The ongoing conflict has already disrupted trade in the Red Sea, and the situation could worsen, leading to increased oil prices and economic strain on African nations, many of which are already heavily indebted.

The Nigerian think tank SBM Intelligence noted that the crisis exposes the government's passive approach to international affairs, leaving its economic interests vulnerable to external forces. Additionally, the lack of evacuation plans for African nationals in the Gulf highlights the precarious situation.